As an expectant mother, it's only natural that you want the very best for your baby's health and development. That's where choline comes in – a vital nutrient that plays a crucial role during pregnancy and beyond. In this article, we'll delve into the wonders of choline, exploring why it is essential for both you and your baby, uncovering the secrets of this remarkable nutrient!
What is Choline and What Role Does it Play in the Body?
If you haven’t yet heard of Choline, you’re not alone. Although it’s recommended to be included in all prenatal vitamins, most prenatals don’t contain any at all. While Choline is naturally present in foods like beef liver and whole eggs, as many as 95% of pregnant women do not consume enough prenatal Choline to meet their dietary needs.
Choline is a water-soluble essential nutrient that acts as a building block for crucial molecules in the body, especially important during pregnancy in terms of supporting the overall development of the baby as well as mum’s own health and wellbeing. It plays a pivotal role in various physiological processes, including brain development, nerve function, cell membrane formation, and liver function. Choline cannot be synthesised by the body, and therefore must be obtained from diet, through food or supplementation.
Why Do I Need Choline During Pregnancy?
A woman’s Choline stores may become depleted during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as baby's requirements for Choline often exceed mum’s intake. Maintaining optimal Choline levels during pregnancy can help to ensure adequate amounts of this critical nutrient are available for both mum and baby.
Lowering the Risk of Neural Tube Defects:
Scientific studies have linked choline intake during pregnancy to a reduced risk of neural tube defects (NTDs), finding that women who consumed the recommended amount of choline during pregnancy had a significantly lower risk of NTDs compared to those with lower choline intake.
Addressing Gestational Issues:
Choline is involved in the development of the placenta, which supplies vital nutrients and oxygen to your growing baby. Adequate choline intake has been associated with improved placental function, potentially reducing the risk of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction impacting birth weight. Choline, along with Vitamins B12 and Folate, supports the proper metabolism of homocysteine into methionine, another amino acid, decreasing homocysteine levels.
Enhancing Baby's Response to Stress:
Research suggests that choline intake during pregnancy may positively impact the baby's response to stress later in life. A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that infants whose mothers consumed higher levels of choline during pregnancy showed a more favourable stress response compared to those with lower choline exposure. Other studies have seen improved motor performance in infants.
Improving Childhood Visual Memory:
Choline continues to exert its benefits even after birth. A Clinical Nutrition study found that higher maternal choline intake during pregnancy was associated with improved childhood visual memory at 7 years of age. These findings highlight the long-term cognitive benefits of choline for your child.
Enhancing Motor Performance:
Choline plays a crucial role in the development and functioning of the motor system.
Research suggests that higher maternal choline intake during pregnancy is associated with improved motor performance in infants. One study found that infants born to mothers with higher choline intake exhibited superior motor skills at 11 months of age.
Why Do I Need Choline After Pregnancy?
Large volumes of Choline are often transferred to baby in pregnancy and through breastfeeding while the infant is still rapidly growing. Replenishing mum’s postnatal levels continues to be important for a woman and her growing baby.
Choline levels in breastmilk are directly linked to a mum’s current levels of Choline. Many practitioners consider choline to be helpful in easing the occurrence of a mother’s decreased focus and memory, sometimes known as “baby brain.”
Why Are So Many Women Deficient in Choline?
Despite its critical importance, many women fail to meet the recommended choline intake during pregnancy. Reasons for this deficiency is the historically low awareness of it’s importance, and also that quality choline-rich foods may not be commonly included in typical diets, leading to inadequate choline consumption.
Key Takeaways:
- Choline is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role during pregnancy and beyond.
- Adequate choline intake during pregnancy can lower the risk of neural tube defects and address gestational issues.
- Choline enhances the baby's response to stress and improves childhood visual memory and motor performance.
- Choline is also beneficial after pregnancy, continuing to support your child's cognitive and motor development.
- Many women are deficient in choline due to the awareness of its importance and the lack of choline-rich foods in their diets.
To ensure you and your baby receive the optimal benefits of choline, it's important to consider choline supplementation.
Naitre’s Pregnancy Support Formula includes 40mg of quality Choline, delivered via liposomal technology, meaning an improved absorption rate of up to 8 times higher when compared to typical pill format vitamins.
In conclusion, choline is a powerhouse nutrient that plays a vital role in pregnancy and beyond. From lowering the risk of neural tube defects to enhancing your child's cognitive abilities and motor skills, choline is an unsung hero for maternal and infant health. Remember to prioritise choline-rich foods in your diet and consider supplementation if needed.
